The Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center is a dream come true for the musicians, actors, dancers, artists and arts enthusiasts in Loudon County, Virginia, and the surrounding area.

Started in 1997 under the auspices of The Barns at Franklin Park Inc., when completed, the center will take the foundation of a 19th Century dairy barn complex and the original silo. It will integrate a solar power array into the facility. This will create the United States' first solar-powered, fully accessible arts center containing its own computer-controlled observatory.

A 304-seat community theater with digitally controlled sound and lighting will house concerts, recitals and plays. Visual art exhibitions will be on view in the large adjoining lobby area. The silo will contain a telescope and astronomy lab capable of transmitting celestial images onto the stage.